Serbia's police have banned a gay pride march in Belgrade, citing security concerns but also complying with a request from Serbia's Christian Orthodox church.

Police said they were banning the march planned for this weekend because they feared a repeat of the violence in 2010, when rightwing groups attacked a similar event in Belgrade, triggering day-long clashes with police that left more than 100 people injured.

Last year's gay pride march was also banned by authorities.

This week's ban was announced after Patriarch Irinej, the head of Serbia's Christian Orthodox church, urged the government to prevent Saturday's march.

He said in a statement that such a "parade of shame" would cast a "moral shadow" on Serbia – a conservative Balkan country whose gay population has faced threats and harassment.

Allowing this year's march had been regarded by some as a test of Serbia's pledge to respect human rights as it seeks European Union membership.